You may think of your deck as just an innocuous wooden platform jutting out to your backyard, but with a little planning and a good design, that space can become a fabulous al fresco family room, area for entertaining or a place to kick off your shoes and just chill.

Consider some ideas for a deck that expresses your style outdoors and how you can make the most of your surroundings — whether that includes a spectacular view or lush trees and greenery — to create your just-right outdoor retreat.

Whether wood or composite, decks offer a place to relax, soak up the sun and entertain while also adding value to your home. If you’re thinking of adding a deck or updating an existing structure, here are 41 deck designs to inspire you.

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